Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland. It is the second-largest financial centre in the United Kingdom. In 2022, Time Out magazine rated Edinburgh the best city in the world. It is the second most visited tourist destination in the United Kingdom attracting 4.9 million visits, including 2.4 million from overseas.
Home to national cultural institutions such as the National Museum of Scotland, the National Library of Scotland, the Scottish National Gallery, and also known for the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe, Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town together are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With so many attractions contributing to such a beautiful and rich culture, Edinburgh is the
perfect place to visit for a time away. The city has a calm but lively vibe and is the perfect
window to the Scottish culture. When looking for a moment to relax and enjoy Scotland’s national drink, the Whiskey, with a beautiful view, dear reader, rooftop bars are the best way to go. With that in mind, here is a list of beautiful rooftop.
Home to national cultural institutions such as the National Museum of Scotland, the National Library of Scotland, the Scottish National Gallery, and also known for the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe, Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town together are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With so many attractions contributing to such a beautiful and rich culture, Edinburgh is the
perfect place to visit for a time away. The city has a calm but lively vibe and is the perfect
window to the Scottish culture. When looking for a moment to relax and enjoy Scotland’s national drink, the Whiskey, with a beautiful view, dear reader, rooftop bars are the best way to go. With that in mind, here is a list of beautiful rooftop.
COLD TOWNHOUSE
Located in the Grassmarket with a backdrop of the Edinburgh castle, Cold townhouse gives its guests more than just the feel of a rooftop bar. With the softest lighting and green garland decorations, it’s the perfect place to relax.
This bar takes it up a notch with its liberal seating and designs which includes the bar’s
famous ski-gondola cabins which have the effect of bringing to the surface, the guests’
memories of a beautiful gondola boat ride on a quiet evening in Venice.
Known for its in-house craft beers with an on-site brewery, you only have to look through the bar’s floor-to-ceiling glass walls to see eight enormous tanks filled with the stuff and also catch a glimpse of some parts of the brewing process. This bar offers even more drink options from wine to cocktails and for food, the options include but are not limited to; stone-baked pizzas from an Italian artisan oven, delicious burgers and dessert churros, all of which can be ordered at the bar service which is a vintage Nissan van.
With a constantly changing roster of cabaret, music and comedy, this bar offers top-shelf life entertainment that is guaranteed to have guests glued to their seats. This rooftop bar is the perfect spot to visit for a beautiful time alone and with friends.
Located in the Grassmarket with a backdrop of the Edinburgh castle, Cold townhouse gives its guests more than just the feel of a rooftop bar. With the softest lighting and green garland decorations, it’s the perfect place to relax.
This bar takes it up a notch with its liberal seating and designs which includes the bar’s
famous ski-gondola cabins which have the effect of bringing to the surface, the guests’
memories of a beautiful gondola boat ride on a quiet evening in Venice.
Known for its in-house craft beers with an on-site brewery, you only have to look through the bar’s floor-to-ceiling glass walls to see eight enormous tanks filled with the stuff and also catch a glimpse of some parts of the brewing process. This bar offers even more drink options from wine to cocktails and for food, the options include but are not limited to; stone-baked pizzas from an Italian artisan oven, delicious burgers and dessert churros, all of which can be ordered at the bar service which is a vintage Nissan van.
With a constantly changing roster of cabaret, music and comedy, this bar offers top-shelf life entertainment that is guaranteed to have guests glued to their seats. This rooftop bar is the perfect spot to visit for a beautiful time alone and with friends.
ROOFTOP 51
At the top of the Moxy Hotel in Fountainbridge, is Rooftop 51 an indoor and outdoor bar
that although relatively new compared to others like itself, is already known as one of the
best and most popular rooftop bars in Edinburgh.
With copper-style chairs, plush cushions and twinkling fairy lights, it has a trendy interior
that is modern and inviting, giving the bar an aura attractive to a younger audience.
Perfect for drinks after a tour around the city as well as after work, the bar overlooks the
city’s impressive landscape. It is the perfect location to get your daily recommended dose of vitamin D while basking in the yummy sunlight at the early hours of the day.
Rooftop 51 specialises in cocktails and craft beer, putting together the most delicious
creations sure to leave you wanting more as there is a drink for everyone. This bar also serves the most delicious bites till 9pm. The staff is well mannered, attending to guests promptly. Rooftop 51 is the perfect bar to go with friends for drinks.
At the top of the Moxy Hotel in Fountainbridge, is Rooftop 51 an indoor and outdoor bar
that although relatively new compared to others like itself, is already known as one of the
best and most popular rooftop bars in Edinburgh.
With copper-style chairs, plush cushions and twinkling fairy lights, it has a trendy interior
that is modern and inviting, giving the bar an aura attractive to a younger audience.
Perfect for drinks after a tour around the city as well as after work, the bar overlooks the
city’s impressive landscape. It is the perfect location to get your daily recommended dose of vitamin D while basking in the yummy sunlight at the early hours of the day.
Rooftop 51 specialises in cocktails and craft beer, putting together the most delicious
creations sure to leave you wanting more as there is a drink for everyone. This bar also serves the most delicious bites till 9pm. The staff is well mannered, attending to guests promptly. Rooftop 51 is the perfect bar to go with friends for drinks.
THE LOOKOUT BAR
The Lookout bar sits on Carlton Hill and is brought by the team behind the Gardener’s
Cottage. Created in collaboration with Collective, an organisation responsible for
The Lookout bar sits on Carlton Hill and is brought by the team behind the Gardener’s
Cottage. Created in collaboration with Collective, an organisation responsible for
transforming the Carlton hill city observatory into a new cultural hub, it is the second spot
open under the Gardener Cottage name. Suspended halfway over the hill, the lookout offers fantastic views of the city and the Firth of Forth that can be enjoyed along with a glass or two of their delicious cocktails or other drinks of your choice.
With a modern-traditional architectural combination, the Lookout bar on a hill with its full-
length windows that go all the way from the floor to the ceiling overlooking St James Quarter and beyond, a mouth-watering dining menu and a wide list of drinks, the Lookout coupled with its witty name sounds like something out of a James Bond movie.
Allow yourself be transported into your fantasies and play out your favourite spy movie as
the Lookout brings it all to life with its minimalist ambience, the mixes of spices from the
open kitchen that forms an aroma begging you to try every dish on the menu as you watch the chefs prepare them and it’s out of this world location.
The Lookout’s seasonal menu shows off some of the city’s richest local produce with
delicious Scottish delicacies. Meals are served from brunch through dinner, always promise to be a beautiful culinary experience and are served by a pleasant and professional staff. On a visit to Edinburgh, reserve a table for a transcendent experience over one of Edinburgh’s hills. This place is not to be missed!
open under the Gardener Cottage name. Suspended halfway over the hill, the lookout offers fantastic views of the city and the Firth of Forth that can be enjoyed along with a glass or two of their delicious cocktails or other drinks of your choice.
With a modern-traditional architectural combination, the Lookout bar on a hill with its full-
length windows that go all the way from the floor to the ceiling overlooking St James Quarter and beyond, a mouth-watering dining menu and a wide list of drinks, the Lookout coupled with its witty name sounds like something out of a James Bond movie.
Allow yourself be transported into your fantasies and play out your favourite spy movie as
the Lookout brings it all to life with its minimalist ambience, the mixes of spices from the
open kitchen that forms an aroma begging you to try every dish on the menu as you watch the chefs prepare them and it’s out of this world location.
The Lookout’s seasonal menu shows off some of the city’s richest local produce with
delicious Scottish delicacies. Meals are served from brunch through dinner, always promise to be a beautiful culinary experience and are served by a pleasant and professional staff. On a visit to Edinburgh, reserve a table for a transcendent experience over one of Edinburgh’s hills. This place is not to be missed!
SKY BAR EDINBURGH
Part of the DoubleTree by Hilton, Sky Bar is a sophisticated location with a contemporary
feel as its sleek seats and cool lighting testifies. It is majorly a venue for events and weddings but it opens to the public a few days weekly.
The perfect spot for a night out, Sky bar has a gorgeous view of the city which would be best enjoyed by a window seat.
Part of the DoubleTree by Hilton, Sky Bar is a sophisticated location with a contemporary
feel as its sleek seats and cool lighting testifies. It is majorly a venue for events and weddings but it opens to the public a few days weekly.
The perfect spot for a night out, Sky bar has a gorgeous view of the city which would be best enjoyed by a window seat.
For a table at Sky bar, reservations must be done months in advance as it is a highly coveted spot and only more so due to the fact that it opens only a few days per week.
With an impressive selection of delicacies, meals like the haggis spring roll, spiced
cauliflower steak and much more are delicious options. If you are there in the afternoon, you should definitely ask for a fresh pot of tea to wash down your meal.
With a menu of one of the nicest cocktails around, guests can complete their dining
experience with a nice cocktail. For guests who would prefer other drinks, there are spirits
and a wide mocktail option to choose from. This bar is pet friendly.
Have a blast at Sky bar!
With an impressive selection of delicacies, meals like the haggis spring roll, spiced
cauliflower steak and much more are delicious options. If you are there in the afternoon, you should definitely ask for a fresh pot of tea to wash down your meal.
With a menu of one of the nicest cocktails around, guests can complete their dining
experience with a nice cocktail. For guests who would prefer other drinks, there are spirits
and a wide mocktail option to choose from. This bar is pet friendly.
Have a blast at Sky bar!
JUNIPER BAR
In the heart of Edinburgh, Juniper is a sophisticated and lively cocktail bar located at 20
Princes Street. It shares an entrance with Hotel Indio as well as Twenty Twenty. This casts a cloak of secrecy over the bar, making it somewhat like a hidden gem, easy to miss in the
bustle of daily life.
Juniper promises a spectacular view of the Old Town so guests who want to enjoy looking at the festive lights of the Edinburgh Christmas market while trying to avoid its crowds can take in the entire scene in the bar’s relaxing atmosphere with a glass of their choice of drink. With a dedicated bar team who are experts in their craft, the cocktails are handcrafted, flavorful and sophisticated. Whiskey and gin connoisseurs are not left out and neither are people who want to relax with much lighter drinks while having a good time as the bar serves a wide range of beers, wines and soft drinks. It is also known for its smoking teapot tipsy teas. The bar serves up an eclectic food menu with a mix of old and new bound to leave your taste buds in bliss.
In the heart of Edinburgh, Juniper is a sophisticated and lively cocktail bar located at 20
Princes Street. It shares an entrance with Hotel Indio as well as Twenty Twenty. This casts a cloak of secrecy over the bar, making it somewhat like a hidden gem, easy to miss in the
bustle of daily life.
Juniper promises a spectacular view of the Old Town so guests who want to enjoy looking at the festive lights of the Edinburgh Christmas market while trying to avoid its crowds can take in the entire scene in the bar’s relaxing atmosphere with a glass of their choice of drink. With a dedicated bar team who are experts in their craft, the cocktails are handcrafted, flavorful and sophisticated. Whiskey and gin connoisseurs are not left out and neither are people who want to relax with much lighter drinks while having a good time as the bar serves a wide range of beers, wines and soft drinks. It is also known for its smoking teapot tipsy teas. The bar serves up an eclectic food menu with a mix of old and new bound to leave your taste buds in bliss.
CHAOPHRAYA
With a view of Edinburgh castle, Chaophraya is an upscale Thai resto-bar in the heart of the city. It is located in Castle street.
This resto-bar has multiple levels with a beautiful alfresco terrace at the roof that opens to a breath-taking view. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a cover that is removable and perfect for when the weather is warm, it is the right place to visit without a fear of the weather forecast.
Chaophraya's chic and sophisticated décor with wooden furnishings is perfect as it
complements the splendid view. The resto-bar has an authentic Thai menu which includes stir fry, rice, noodles, dumplings, grilled sea bass and much more. The drinks are a wide selection of wine, spirits and cocktails that are expertly made with a Thai twist. These include the Siam Smile cocktail which can be ordered from the menu with beautiful drawings. Known as one of the first rooftop bars in the city, Chaophraya is the perfect spot for a night out. For a romantic dinner date, reservations can be made on the bar’s website. Ask for a view of Edinburgh castle if possible and enjoy a splendid time.
With a view of Edinburgh castle, Chaophraya is an upscale Thai resto-bar in the heart of the city. It is located in Castle street.
This resto-bar has multiple levels with a beautiful alfresco terrace at the roof that opens to a breath-taking view. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a cover that is removable and perfect for when the weather is warm, it is the right place to visit without a fear of the weather forecast.
Chaophraya's chic and sophisticated décor with wooden furnishings is perfect as it
complements the splendid view. The resto-bar has an authentic Thai menu which includes stir fry, rice, noodles, dumplings, grilled sea bass and much more. The drinks are a wide selection of wine, spirits and cocktails that are expertly made with a Thai twist. These include the Siam Smile cocktail which can be ordered from the menu with beautiful drawings. Known as one of the first rooftop bars in the city, Chaophraya is the perfect spot for a night out. For a romantic dinner date, reservations can be made on the bar’s website. Ask for a view of Edinburgh castle if possible and enjoy a splendid time.
THE SNUG AT GLASSHOUSE
The Glasshouse Hotel sits on a spot that was once a Lady Glenorchy Church, it is a modern luxury boutique style hotel with a comfy lounge and bar set over two acres of garden at the rooftop. The bar is known as The Snug.
Fully renovated in 2018, The Snug boasts of an extensive menu of a collection of 160-strong Scotch whiskies and offers its guests the perfect setting to enjoy their favourites and try new ones from the illustrious menu. For the whisky novice, they have an experienced team that can serve as a guide on a journey through Scotland’s world famous whisky regions. Also, there is an option of pairing a glass of whiskey with one of their high quality cigars. For guests who do not find whisky a drink of choice, there is an expert team of mixologists who can craft cocktails from a vast non-whisky menu.
The Snug offers a beautiful setting to unwind and enjoy a delectable home-made Scottish
afternoon tea in Edinburgh. The food menu is made up of classic dishes with a Scottish twist. With meat supplied by the Campbell brothers who with a royal warrant are servers of meat to royalty, the food promises to be excellent. With an amazing staff, the Snug is just right for a relaxing time.
The Glasshouse Hotel sits on a spot that was once a Lady Glenorchy Church, it is a modern luxury boutique style hotel with a comfy lounge and bar set over two acres of garden at the rooftop. The bar is known as The Snug.
Fully renovated in 2018, The Snug boasts of an extensive menu of a collection of 160-strong Scotch whiskies and offers its guests the perfect setting to enjoy their favourites and try new ones from the illustrious menu. For the whisky novice, they have an experienced team that can serve as a guide on a journey through Scotland’s world famous whisky regions. Also, there is an option of pairing a glass of whiskey with one of their high quality cigars. For guests who do not find whisky a drink of choice, there is an expert team of mixologists who can craft cocktails from a vast non-whisky menu.
The Snug offers a beautiful setting to unwind and enjoy a delectable home-made Scottish
afternoon tea in Edinburgh. The food menu is made up of classic dishes with a Scottish twist. With meat supplied by the Campbell brothers who with a royal warrant are servers of meat to royalty, the food promises to be excellent. With an amazing staff, the Snug is just right for a relaxing time.
NOR’ LOFT
Nor’ Loft is located at the top of Market Street Hotel. A nod to the Nor’ Loch which was
situated on the spot where Princes street garden is now, the Nor’ Loft is a relaxed and chic
bar known to offer champagne and fancy finger food. This is an ideal spot for those who
don’t want to go too far. The bar overlooks Princes gardens, the Scott monument and the beautiful cityscape. The bar is airy and bright with bright beams draped over the ceiling, it is a beautiful place to sit at night as the city comes alive.
The drink menu is filled with a variety of classic champagnes sourced from independent
growers to prestigious champagne houses, and a a mix of champagne cocktails. If you would prefer other drink options, there are delicious drinks to choose from, they include wines, single malts, classic cocktails even featuring a cocktail on the menu named after Sir Walter Scott.
Nor’ Loft is located at the top of Market Street Hotel. A nod to the Nor’ Loch which was
situated on the spot where Princes street garden is now, the Nor’ Loft is a relaxed and chic
bar known to offer champagne and fancy finger food. This is an ideal spot for those who
don’t want to go too far. The bar overlooks Princes gardens, the Scott monument and the beautiful cityscape. The bar is airy and bright with bright beams draped over the ceiling, it is a beautiful place to sit at night as the city comes alive.
The drink menu is filled with a variety of classic champagnes sourced from independent
growers to prestigious champagne houses, and a a mix of champagne cocktails. If you would prefer other drink options, there are delicious drinks to choose from, they include wines, single malts, classic cocktails even featuring a cocktail on the menu named after Sir Walter Scott.
The bar offers afternoon teas, desserts and small plated bites with options such as pulled pork and fillet steak. The menu goes on to include caviar, smoked mackerel and salmon, great for the stomach on a night of drinking and fun.
Nor’ Loft is a great choice of rooftop bars in Edinburgh for date night or just a night out with friends.
Nor’ Loft is a great choice of rooftop bars in Edinburgh for date night or just a night out with friends.
CASK SMUGGLERS
A rooftop bar on the top of Waverly mall, Cask Smugglers is a prohibition inspired bar
hidden in plain sight. With its soft lighting, wooden décor and surfaces, the bar has a
reminiscent quality to it and it’s no wonder that it is one of Edinburgh’s favourite bars.
With a clean concrete exterior, the bar has an amazing view of Edinburgh’s most famous
architecture, including the Scott monument, Arthur’s seat and an unrivalled view of the
Castle. Cask Smugglers serves craft beers, a large collection of whiskey, a unique cocktail selection inspired by the mysterious 13 revolutions of the moon and other sophisticated alcoholic beverages also inspired by the prohibition era. For food, the menu curated by the renowned head chef at Edinburgh restaurant Lichen focuses on Scottish produce with an international twist.
The bar also serves loaded fries, pizzas and mouth-watering finger snacks to savour along with the view.
Dance along to beautiful jazz music at the bar as well as their Latin American specials. With a beautiful location and an fantastic staff, cask smugglers is a must!
A rooftop bar on the top of Waverly mall, Cask Smugglers is a prohibition inspired bar
hidden in plain sight. With its soft lighting, wooden décor and surfaces, the bar has a
reminiscent quality to it and it’s no wonder that it is one of Edinburgh’s favourite bars.
With a clean concrete exterior, the bar has an amazing view of Edinburgh’s most famous
architecture, including the Scott monument, Arthur’s seat and an unrivalled view of the
Castle. Cask Smugglers serves craft beers, a large collection of whiskey, a unique cocktail selection inspired by the mysterious 13 revolutions of the moon and other sophisticated alcoholic beverages also inspired by the prohibition era. For food, the menu curated by the renowned head chef at Edinburgh restaurant Lichen focuses on Scottish produce with an international twist.
The bar also serves loaded fries, pizzas and mouth-watering finger snacks to savour along with the view.
Dance along to beautiful jazz music at the bar as well as their Latin American specials. With a beautiful location and an fantastic staff, cask smugglers is a must!
Image source: Getty images.
